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Want to keep your audio/video gear in a cabinet or a closet for a clutter-free setup? This Sanus repeater system lets you use an existing remote to control your components when they're tucked away out of sight.

The compact infrared (IR) receiver is the only part of this system that's visible. Position it discreetly within range of your remote, such as next to your TV. The receiver sends signals to the hidden repeater hub and on to the included flashers, which can control up to four components.

Product Highlights:

use your existing remote to control equipment hidden in a closed cabinet

Product Research

Features

Overview: The Sanus Elements ELM501 IR repeater kit makes it easy to
give your home theater a clean, seamless appearance; even while you are using
it. This small IR receiver can be located in a discreet location on top of
furniture or next to a TV to replicate infrared signals from remote controls.
The ELM501 filters undesirable signals from sunlight and plasma TVs to provide
error-free operation, while LED status lights provide power and infrared signal
indication. Simply place the repeater hub behind your TV or other components,
and you can operate AV equipment inside closed cabinets with ease. This
all-in-one kit contains the necessary elements to control up to four components,
and includes both tabletop and hole mounting options.

IR Receiver and Repeaters: This all-in-one kit contains all
necessary elements to control up to 4 components. The ELM501 includes an IR hub with an attached IR receiver
(42") and two dual IR repeaters (11' each).

Status LED: The IR hub features two LED
status lights that provide power (red) and IR (green) signal indication.

Installation: The ELM501's 2-piece
design allows the IR sensor to be placed in an inconspicuous location, while the
IR repeater hub and repeaters can be positioned remotely to control hidden AV
equipment. The all-in-one IR repeater kit comes supplied with self-adhesive
plastic clamps to secure the IR receiver and IR repeater in place next to your
equipment. The IR hub can be mounted using two-sided tape or mounting screws
(not supplied).

Connections: The ELM501's IR receiver
is attached to the IR hub using a 42" cord. The IR hub features 4 female inputs
for connecting the two dual IR repeaters which feature a 11' cord terminated by
a male 3.5mm connector (each).

Power Supply: The Sanus ELM501 operates
off of standard household current using the included AC power supply, which
plugs into the IR hub and then into an AC wall outlet or surge protector.

Specifications:

Power Supply Voltage: 8-12 VDC

IR Frequency Range Supported: 30-60
kHz

IR Pickup Range: 40' @38kHz, 25' @
56kHz

Note: The ELM501 is not compatible
with Bang & Olufsen products

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to
find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research
team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies
to help people make informed choices.

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Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater

Written By Ed M., New York on Monday, February 23, 2015

Skeptical that at such a low price it would help to hide all my components. Easy to install & works fine. I even cut & spliced the wires because my walls were closed & I ran a cat 5 behind the TV.

Works great for me!

I told my wife, I'm done (after 5 minutes.) She said done with what? I installed the the new thing. The cabinet doors are closed, now just point the remote approximately to that little black thing. What little black thing? I got up and pointed it out to her. Oh, I can barely see it. It was just that simple. I did not have to fuss with the small exposed transmitting unit nor did I have to place the inside cabinet receivers in the exact position. It just worked great! I should of bought this a long time ago. I am 64 years old now and my eyesight and patience has diminished. It was refreshing to install something so quickly that worked right out of the box.

Pros:The transmitter is hardly noticeable. Lots of flexibility. Wires are long enough for a large cabinet. Same for the receivers, they do not have to be precisely placed. Works well in my application.

Cons:A bit expensive, but not a lot of competition out there that I could find.

Success

After going the real cheap route from another retaier and not being able to control all my equipment, I opted for the more expensive Sanus ELM501. Due to past experience, I found this model straightforward to install. The only difficulties I encountered was the wire length on the IR receiver head was a bit short for my installation. My previous IR Repeater was unable to control my reasonably new Sony blu-ray player(BDP-S5100). At first I was also unable to control the same device with the Sanus repeater. As a desperate last attempt, I decided to place the repeater sensor on the back of the cabinet door which was about 4 inches from the front of the player. My logic was that I wasn't initially placing the sensor in the exact correct location on the front panel of the player but if I moved it a few inches away I might benefit from a "shotgun" pattern. This proved effective and all I had to do to permanently mount the repeater sensor was to use my dremel tool on the bracket so I could reverse the sensor in the bracket.

Pros:Controls all of my equipment and works consistently.

Cons:Wire for the IR Receiver head was a bit short. Would like one more set of IR repeaters(comes with two sets which allow control of up to 4 devices) included.

excellent

Been using for month now. Extremely easy to install and no issues with remote use. Would recommend to anyone. Have it running 4 separate components behind a wall with eye at bottom corner of TV out of sight. Works from all angles in room

Ok

Works perfectly, as advertised. Set-up was somewhat difficult because I had no idea where to place the sensor holsters on my set top box and blue ray recorder. Your instructions say "over the sensor" but my sensors are behind the exterior of my equipment and invisible. I called you for help and your employee located them for me by referencing some source he had. You might consider alerting your customers to this problem at the time of purchase.

Great Value

Very easy to install and set up. Excellent range and long cables are a plus when connecting to four components. Only con is the table top mount did not receive the signals. Device works effortlessly with all remotes.

Pros:Ease of install and set up. Great value and price. Excellent range.

Excellent!

This product is great and allows me to keep the cabinet doors closed and still operate everything inside. The only complaint I would have about this product is the adhesive backing on the sensors. It is a pain in the a** trying to get the film off the adhesive so the sensors can be stuck on the components. Other than that, great product!

A true solution!

For years, I have watched TV with the cabinet open, which meant I and my guests needed to look at my cable box, DVD Player and a pile of CD's. A friend told me about a Infrared solution, which Best Buy, Target and other electronics providers did not supply. I was happy with a prior TV purchase at Crutchfield and recalled your store provides many solutions. The CSR knew immediately what I was looking for and I went from call to purchase in 15 minutes. The product was easy to set up (even for a girl!) and now I can keep my cabinets closed while I watch TV or play a DVD. The remote control sends the signal to the receiver which sends it to the equipment inside the cabinet. I'm a happy camper! If you have this same problem, don't think twice, buy this product.

Pros:Ease of set up and use. Solves the problem of sending signals through cabinets for cable, DVD and other remote controlled equipment.

Sanus

Quick and easy too set up. Only issue is that there are only 2 dual IR emitters. The repeater has 4 plugs which would give you the availability of up to 8 things to control. Crutchfield does not sell individual emitters nor does anyone else as far as I can tell. If you have four or less items this is the right choice. If more than four you may want to look at one of the more expensive units.

Pros:Fast easy set up
Clean install

Cons:More than four boxes to run you will still have to manually run one box.

Great Product and Great Price

Great item Crutchfield had discounted for $30 off original price of $99.95. Easy setup and installation. No issues and great range. Great item for the price. This product works in our living room and can changes from the kitchen.

Pros:Great price, works as advertised. Crutchfield support if you have any issues with the setup. Plug it in, hook it up and aim your remote away.

Cons:None, great price at $69.99, glad I didn't have to pay $100 for this item. Very simple item, not a whole lot there for the cost. No range issues found in 30 days of use.

Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater System

A very affordable way to hide equipment for a clean look on the wall. Just seeing the flat screen and no shelving or furniture underneath makes it a thing of beauty.

Pros:Very easy to install, not visible when installed.

Cons:Power plug is too large. Had to install 2 separate outlets (can also use a larger 3 gang recessed tv box, 2 outlets and 1 for cables) because the power pack covers the second outlet of a duplex, no room for tv plug without second outlet if hanging tv on wall.

Just OK

This works great from about 6 feet directly in front. Once you get to the side or further away it doesn't work. Strangely it works better on my Apple TV, Denon receiver and Samsung DVD player than on my U-verse DVR. It really is hard to get the DVR to respond and I have tried moving the button all around.

Works as advertised

Saw a similar IR repeater on This Old House, and I wanted to hide all cables coming to and from my flat-panel TV. I put the Blu-Ray player in a closet, then ran the wires for this IR repeater through the wall. Everything works great now, and I couldn't be happier. I think this product is much better than the RF repeater being sold locally. It's more direct, at least. I had no problems at all installing it and getting it to work, even though the instructions left a little to be desired.

Great product!

Decided on this repeater for my A/V setup instead of a universal remote and RF signals (hell, the universal remote itself would have been more expensive). This product works great! I have my TV wall mounted and all the components are on the other side of the wall in my utility room. The eye for this repeater is so small that i was able to hide it behind a plexiglass panel on my TV (sony) so you can't even see it. There is no signal delay, and no component mismatch. (All sony products, and a comcast cable box) Very satisfied for $80!

Pros:Price, size, functionality

Cons:The receiver eye cable could be longer. It's 4ft and the repeater leads are 11ft...should be the other way around.

Failed

Set up took only a few minutes, unfortunately that is about how long I had it hooked up.

The primary IR receiver is not sensitive enough. It worked for me only if I stood about 8 feet from the sensor. I thought maybe it was related to the various mounting options, I tried them all in several locations and eventually used only the receiver itself thus ensuring no interference with the mounting brackets. I have what most people would consider a very small room 15 x 15 maybe and this could not pick up the remote signal in several seating locations. I thought maybe my batteries in the remote were weak, but the batteries were fine and the remote controls the TV and U-verse box flawlessly.

When it did work, I noticed a delay when changing channels and entering channel numbers.

Works Great!

Written By Jo, Atlanta, GA1 on Friday, January 11, 2013

This little guy works really good. It is super easy to set up, probably took me 5 minutes - and I can't tell any processing or signal delays to my Directv box or dvd player. I was hesitant at first about buying this repeater since it was so cheap, but it gets the job done for a fraction of what other repeater systems are selling for. I put my boxes in a closet in the living room, about 12' away from the TV. Hides all the wires and makes my wife happy - all that matters!

Pros:Price, easy to set up/install, IR eye is very small - not noticeable

Cons:Wish the IR eye had a longer wire so i had more flexibility with location.

Not Impressed

You have to really have the remote directly pointed at the receiver for it to work. I am still debating on whether to return it or not. This is my first time using a product like this and I am not impressed. I love crutchfield and their service is awesome but this product could be much better.

Works great

With a little pre-planning and luck, I was able to install this quickly and easily. The only hitch was that the IR sensor on one component wasn't exactly behind the window for it. I had to peel the sending unit back off and reapply, but with some patience that went well. Try holding each sending unit in place and testing before you apply the sticky stuff. The real highlight for me was that I was able to mount the tiny little receiving unit on the back of the side of the cabinet that houses the components. It is virtually invisible and works from everywhere in the room. Try several (even improbable) locations for the receiving unit before you settle on one. I was amazed with where I was able to put it.

IR repeatere does well

Does exactly as described: I was even able to splice in a 20 foot Monster RCA cable pair to repeat an IR signal at the TV to the Cable box across a room/behind a wall, where I plugged in the power source to the IR repeater. Works flawlessly.

LOOK NO FURTHER...GREAT PRODUCT!

Finally, a repeater under $70 that is easy to install and does what is supposed to do...plain and simple. The IR receiver is extremely sensitive and never takes more than one push of the remote button to operate any device...with NO delay. My devices are behind wood doors. Also nice that it is very discreet. Doesn't even compare to the walkie talkie style I had before from Best Buy.

Pros:Buy this...you won't be disappointed. The price for this quality and service is spectacular! I've bought a couple more for friends and family.

Even work with my 10 year old Denon System

First i stoped by a local High end Stero shop , the guy there tried to sell me on a 600.00 Connect 4 IR system that turned my LIGHTS ON AND OFF , whoopie not why i needed a IR repeater buddy , i wanted to be able to control my old stero system, i have a Denon AVR 1010 that was purchased around 1993 and was not allowing the remote to send or recieve a signal from across the room , it used to up until a month or so ago , well it would work within three feet from the Denon but not further away, SO i searched and located this unit and found it to do JUST WHAT I NEEDED IT TO DO , send and recieve a signal to my Denon and expand the distance that the remote sent the signal , and to top it off i bought a open obx unit so i saved additional money off the price tag , it still has the full warrenty and was checked out by the techs at Crutchfield as to be working like a new unit , with that said i hooked it up or should i say my wife hooked it up in a matter of ten minutes and with no manual needed , if she can hook it up trust me anyone can , it works like a dream and the ease of setup is easier than going to a drive thru for dinner , i highly reccommend this unit as it does what it says and it a great value too.

Pros:Easy to set up , also increases the distance the remote can be recieved from , simple easy to follow directions (we didnt even need them to set it up )

Cons:None at this time , if i encounter problems i will report them asap!

Does a great job

I have an Onkyo TXNR809 home theater receiver inside a low profile cabinet door sealed entertainment center. The remote control would not work with doors shut, and I hated opening the entertainment doors each time I wanted to use the receiver. Btw the receiver was hooked up to everything (wii, blue ray, flatscreen, cable box dvr, cd, internet radio)

I did a little research on my own and was prepared to pay for the top of the line Xantech or Niles as recommended from the ratings on amazon and also inside the onkyo manual. Lucklily this model of the Onkyo has a 3mm IR connection on the back specifically for the purpose of having a remote repeater installed. A remote repeater is simply a device that captures the IR signal coming from your remote control and channels it to a hub box and then distributes the signal to the appropriate equipment (CD, cable box, etc.) The receiver was the only item I needed a repeater for. All other equipment was exposed to the IR signal coming from the remote.

Crutchfield tech support recommended this device which was signficantly cheaper and simpler since I only had the one receiver that applied for a remote repeater (Its behind the entertainment doors and out of view).

He set up the order, gave me a link to the page and within seconds the process had begun of purchasing. It arrived within a week. I assembled it per instructions which were very clear. Worked like a charm. No issues or delays. I looked like the hero to the wife.

Pros:Cheaper price, easy to install, short run of wires since receiver was close. No interference from flat screen.

Cons:Adhesive tape provided for hub fell off 20 second after I firmly applied it to back of entertainment center. I had back up 3M double sided tape I used instead and it will probably be there forever now.

Awesome

Exactly what we needed!! Hung a tv on our wall in the kitchen, had no place for a box except the cabinet below. Didn't want to leave the cabinet open to be able to hangs channels and thanks to the sanus we don't have to ! Works perfectly!!

Excellent

Written By John, Naugatuck, CT on Friday, April 20, 2012

I just installed this repeater and it works great. I was worried about some reviews stating that there would be a delay and some saying that it does not work from wide angle and has short range. It works great from any angle and there is no delay. Although my living room is relatively small, I do not see any problems with range.Installation was even easier than I expected.I now have my TV on the wall and all the rest of the equipment is inside my closet. I highly recomend this to anyone that needs it.

Pros:Easy installation

Cons:Perhaps, the IR receiver could have a longer cable. In my case however, it did not create a problem.

Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater System

The service I received when ordering over the phone was superb! The equipment arrived on time and when I went to put it together the instruction were clear, easy English. Not one problem. I hope to use more of your equipment soon!!!

Just what I needed

The Sanus repeater works! Cable box, Pioneer AV receiver, Sony BlueRay are all tucked away in the cabinet and out of sight. The IR receiver is hidden in plain sight and picks up everywhere in the room. This is just what I needed. Thanks Sanus. Thanks Crutchfield.

A little finicky

I use this to hide my Time Warner Cable cable box-DVR, Sony Blu-ray player and TEAC audio receiver inside a media cabinet beneath the TV. From the couch, which is directly in front of the IR receiver, it works fine. However from wider angles or further distances, it doesn't always work (especially with the DVR). I would say that it's a good value for the price though compared with other systems.

Sanus, you dropped the ball here

I purchased the kit from Crutchfield (hassle free, as always) and was expecting a 1,2,3 setup, which was the case. I was also expecting to have optimal performance, which couldn't have been further from the truth.

The Sanus components are of relatively poor quality when compared to Niles' IR Repeater kits, one of which I just purchased.

I found that even with exact placement of the flashers, you didn't get great response from some of the components. Also, range was SEVERELY limited, to the point where I could only change channels if I was 2 feet away from the receiving unit. Some folks have mentioned that Plasma TV's can cause interference, which could have been the case here.

My advice, look to the Niles components. Infinitely better quality and reliability on the first try,

idiot proof

This set up took all of 2 minutes and worked perfectly. I have a small, wall mounted VIZIO tv and a Verizon Fios box in a closet directly behind it . One sensor on the cable box and one discreetly on the TV. The mounting brackets make it easy. Seriously, if I can do this, anybody can. Now I can take the $200 kit I got from Best Buy back to the store.

Doea what it claims

I placed the unit's IR receiver just under my TV so the end was sticking out. Instead of using the IR blasters, I ran ~25' of 3.5mm stereo cord and plugged it into the "IR Remote In" connection on the back of my Sony STR-DH820 Receiver which is located in a closet. The Sanus IR Repeater controlled the Sony Receiver perfectly, including with my Harmony 880 remote. While I have not tested the IR blasters, the system works as advertised with my hidden Sony Receiver.

Not preforming as expected!

The unit is not preforming as expected. I explained to the sales rep there was a very high probability a quality unit was required to provide remote Dish Networks commands from downstairs, a basement studio with computers and professional sound and recording equipment, to the upstairs family room where the receiver was located.

The remote will not send a channel change command to the receiver consistently! Only after the remote has been moved to another location and the channel select button has been activated numerous times will the receiver pickup the signal.

I realize the electrical interference, the distance of 50 ft through the floor to the receiver is a 'rough' task for a remote but there must be a better unit then this one.

Success With Sony Components

This was my second purchase. The first did not work with Sony AV receivers. This one was easy to install and worked first time. I mounted the emitters 4 inches away and slightly above the components. They worked great. Fast order turnaround. Completely satisfied.

Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater System

Mediocre quality for the price. The "blaster" units are tiny with a narrow window, requiring exact placement. Gluing the holsters to the front of your expensive components is a poor substitute for a blaster unit that is more powerful and having a wider dispersion. The left blasters operated intermittently, as did the power unit cable connection to the sender unit. It is now working, but I do not have confidence about how long it will continue.

Sanus Infared Repeating System

I love this addition to my bedroom HD LED Television. It was the perfect way to conceal
my Blueray and my Fios System Box in my closet - freeing up my bedroom wall with just
the TV, and sound bar. I functions perfectly with these items. ***Note it does not work
with the Omni Mount motorized Monitor Mount***

Finally hidden components!

I didn't like to see my components and knew there had to be a solution. This product is
so easy and simple to set up and use. In all honesty I thought this was going to be a lot
harder to set up and use, i think it took me all of about 2 minutes and my components
are hidden away inside a cabinet and everything works perfect!

nice & clean

i am in the process of remodeling my home and i wanted a nice and clean apperance,
the SANUS ELM501 IR REPEATER did just that ! my 47" tv is mounted on the wall in the
living room, & all of my components are in a cabinet in the spare bebroom . all
remotes work fine , and install was quite simple . and with the wall mounted eye there
are no exposed wires every thing is -------- nice & clean-------

Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater System

This product works OK with every remote I have except the one for my cable HD DVR. It is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 HD. You must be directly in from of the IR receiver for it to work. Also, one of the IR transmitters already failed (I am glad they sent two pairs).

Item works great.

This IR repeater worked great for me. The cables were plenty long, all four components worked great, sony, JVC, and cable box. The way the emitters connect to the device worked well as did the remote sensor. Love it. Good price, and with Crutchfields dependable shipping and support.

Great value for this product

The Sanus repeater is a great value. Our equipment is in a lowboy equipment cabinet,
and we had difficulty aiming the remote, We placed the IR receiver on one speaker, and
repeater works every time. Setup was extremely simple, and repeater senders were
easy to attach to components. The "glue" provided makes the repeaters easy to remove
without damaging equipment. Wire lenghts were more than enough for our setup. I
highly recommend this repeater for a low cost solution.